Track assembly for a machine

Abstract

A track link assembly includes a plurality of link subassemblies including a first link subassembly and a second link subassembly. Each link subassembly includes a pair of links coupled together. Each link includes a first aperture and a second aperture, and the second aperture of each link is C-shaped. The track link assembly also includes a pin element pivotably coupling each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly. The pin element includes a centrally positioned central portion and end portions on opposite sides of the central portion. The central portion of the pin element is configured to pass through the first aperture of a first link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly, and the end portions are configured to pass through the second apertures of a second link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A track link assembly, comprising
 a plurality of link subassemblies including a first link subassembly and a second link subassembly, wherein each link subassembly includes a pair of links coupled together, wherein each link includes a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the first aperture of each link is substantially circular, and wherein the second aperture of each link is C-shaped; and 
 a pin element pivotably coupling each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly, wherein the pin element includes a centrally positioned central portion and end portions on opposite sides of the central portion, 
 wherein the central portion of the pin element is configured to pass through the first aperture of a first link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly, and wherein the end portions are configured to pass through the second apertures of a second link in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The track link assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the central portion is substantially cylindrical, and wherein a cross-sectional diameter of the first apertures is smaller than a cross-sectional diameter of the central portion. 
     
     
       3. The track link assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the central portion is interference or press fit within the corresponding first aperture. 
     
     
       4. The track link assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the end portion of each link is slip fit within the corresponding second aperture, and wherein each second aperture includes a protrusion extending toward the end portion. 
     
     
       5. The track link assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the protrusion forms a rocker arm. 
     
     
       6. The track link assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the end portion of each link includes an indented portion configured to contact and at least partially receive the protrusion, and wherein during relative rotation of links in each of the first link subassembly and the second link subassembly, the protrusion pivots within the indented portion. 
     
     
       7. The track link assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the second aperture allows for relative pivoting between the pin element and the link through which the end portion extends of between approximately 15-30 degrees in a clockwise direction and between approximately 15-30 degrees in a counter clockwise direction. 
     
     
       8. The track link assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pin element is a single element formed of heat treated steel. 
     
     
       9. The track link assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the links of each link subassembly are coupled in an offset configuration. 
     
     
       10. The track link assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the links includes one or more central holes positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture, and wherein each of the links includes one or more shoe holes configured to couple one or more track shoes to each link. 
     
     
       11. The track link assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the track link pin includes a ledge portion extending longitudinally between the central portion and each of the one end portions. 
     
     
       12. A track link, comprising:
 a first aperture; and 
 a second aperture, 
 wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the track link, wherein the first aperture is circular, and wherein the second aperture is C-shaped formed by a semi-circular portion and two open portions formed by curved surfaces and includes a protrusion between the two open portions that extends toward the semi-circular portion. 
 
     
     
       13. The track link of  claim 12 , further including one or more central holes positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture, and
 further including one or more shoe holes configured to couple one or more track shoes to the track link. 
 
     
     
       14. The track link of  claim 12 , wherein the protrusion forms a rocker arm. 
     
     
       15. The track link of  claim 14 , wherein the track link is configured to be coupled to another track link in an offset configuration. 
     
     
       16. A track link component, comprising:
 a track link pin, wherein the track link pin is an integrally formed piece of metal and includes a centrally-positioned central portion and two end portions on opposite sides of the central portion, 
 wherein the central portion is cylindrical, and 
 wherein each of the end portions includes a C-shaped extension extending longitudinally from the central portion. 
 
     
     
       17. The track link component of  claim 16 , wherein the track link pin is formed of heat treated steel. 
     
     
       18. The track link component of  claim 16 , wherein the track link pin includes a ledge portion extending longitudinally between the central portion and each of the one end portions. 
     
     
       19. The track link component of  claim 16 , wherein the C-shaped extensions include a semi circular outer face and an indented inner face. 
     
     
       20. The track link component of  claim 19 , wherein the inner face includes a top extension and a bottom extension portion connected by an indented portion.